A QUICK-THINKING dad delivered his daughter using knowledge gained from TV show One Born Every Minute after paramedics couldn’t get there in time.

Lindsey Brittain, 29, gave birth to her second child in the hallway of her Canvey home within 30 minutes of calling an ambulance on Sunday evening.

By the time paramedics arrived at their home in Hillberry Road, the 7lb 11oz bundle of joy, who has not yet been given a name, was in Lindsey’s arms.

Boyfriend Bill Flateau, 34, said TV programmes like “One Born Every Minute” and parenting books helped equip him with basic knowledge on delivering a baby.

An East of England Ambulance Service call handler talked him through the labour.

Mr Flateau said: “From my point of view it was terrifying. I wanted to make sure Lindsey was comfortable and the baby was coming out safely.

“I just had to get by with my general knowledge and what I had seen on films and TV. We went through fertility treatment and tried for four years before out first daughter, Evie, was born, so I have read a lot of books on babies and done quite a bit of research.

“I knew pretty early on the ambulance wasn't going to get here in time.’’ Miss Brittain's contractions started on Sunday morning, but it wasn’t until 7.30pm the couple realised the birth was imminent.

Mr Flateau was preparing to take her to hospital when her waters broke and she collapsed in agony in the hall. He called an ambulance, as he knewhe would be unable to drive her to the maternity ward in time, and drafted in his mother-in-law and father-in-law to look after twoyear- old Evie.

Mr Flateau admitted he struggled when he first glimpsed the newcomer. He added: “The sight of the head made me feel a bit queasy and I had to have a drink to calm down. Not many people can say they delivered their own daughter. Mother and baby are doing well – this is certainly a story I can tell her when she’s older.’’

PARAMEDICS MISSED TARGET BY 6 MINUTES

PARAMEDICS arrived 26 minutes after being called – six minutes behind target.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said: “It’s lovely to hear a family praise the great work of one of our call handlers who have to talk people through some really difficult, unexpected situations such as this. The call was coded so that we should reach it within 20 minutes, which regrettably wasn’t the case. The newborn was delivered safely, and they were able to stay at home.

“We’re working hard to improve the service in Essex and to get to people more quickly.

This includes recruiting more frontline staff and increasing ambulance cover. Since April last year, we have offered contracts to more than 400 student paramedics; more than 110 of these are in Essex, along with 18 graduate and qualified paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

Nearly 80 of these staff are already on the road in Essex caring for patients.

“We have faced unprecedented demand for emergency responses. Staff are working tirelessly to provide the best possible, safe response to all patients.

We will continue to do all we can to bring forward improvements and increases in resourcing.”